Eric Young wins the World Heavyweight Championship on IMPACT | Watch The Footage and Exclusive Comments After The Match

In a surprising twist, professional wrestler, TNA Superstar, fantasy sports fanatic and Animal Planet star “Showtime” Eric Young (twitter: @ShowtimeEY) tonight became the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion, defeating reigning champion Magnus during an explosive episode of IMPACT WRESTLING. Airing weekly on Thursday at 9/8c on Spike TV and viewed by millions in more than 120 countries around the globe, IMPACT viewers were treated to an explosive episode with the return of President Dixie Carter after she lost control of wrestling operations more than a month ago and a 10-man gauntlet match for the #1 Contender’s spot resulting in Young’s win. Demanding that he face Magnus in the ring the same night, Young captured the TNA World Heavyweight Championship after delivering the piledriver to the reining champ.

This is the first time the remarkably athletic adrenaline junkie Young, who often goes by “EY,” has held the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. A hockey-loving native of Canada and current Nashville, Tenn. resident, Young, age 34, has been a stable of the TNA roster for more than a decade.

“This moment is 17 years in the making and a childhood dream realized,” said Young. “Professionally, it doesn’t get any better than becoming the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.”

Young began his professional wrestling training after graduating from high school and quickly made his mark. He joined TNA in 2004 and went on to become a multiple time Tag Team Champion. Young is also the first and only male to hold the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship, winning with his now wife, ODB. Recently Young has been feuding with his former best friend, former lawyer turned Monster and Magnus business associate, Abyss.

A fan-favorite known for his antics, and charisma inside and outside of the squared circle, Young began hosting Animal Planet’s hit series “Off The Hook: Extreme Catches” in 2012 and is preparing his return to the channel with a new program premiering in early summer.

Watch footage from Eric Young winning the World Heavyweight Championship, plus exclusive backstage comments after the match - and tune in next Thursday for the aftermath on IMPACT on SpikeTV at 9/8c!